Transcript Highlights:

• NEI submitted a detailed written statement for the record, which I encourage you to review.
• NI submitted a detailed written<00:32:14.399><c> statement</c><00:32:14.640><c> for</c><00:32:14.799>
• c> the</c><00:32:14.960><c> record</c><00:32:15.200><c> which</c><00:32:15.360><c> I</c> written statement
• for the record which I written statement for the record which I encourage<00:32:15.840><c> you</c><00

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, just some clarifying statements. So we do have a statewide bill, HB3094.
• Is that saying the right statement? Sure, for the franchise tax, yes.
• I do want to echo Representative Hicklin's statement that we fully support the Disabled Veterans Property
• If any cities are against this amendment, they should not be, based on their past statements of how much

Bills: HB511 , HB972 , HB 1035 , HB2481 , HB2723 , HB2742 , HB2894 , HB2962 , HB3077 , HB3093 , HB3307 , HB3684 , HJR67 , HJR72

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand what you're saying U.S., Senator Hooper, but I'm making a statement that I want the people
• That is not a good statement.
• Some terminology that if you're a CPA, you know, that gap is used by counties to create financial statements
• We're making sure this financial statements are correct.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the session continues, DFL Majority Leader Erin Murphy responded in a statement saying, quote, it
• in</c><00:23:59.760><c> a</c> Leader Eric Murphy responded in a Leader Eric Murphy responded in a statement
• 00.559><c> saying</c><00:24:00.960><c> quote</c><00:24:01.559><c> it</c><00:24:01.679><c> is</c> statement
• saying quote it is statement saying quote it is increasingly<00:24:02.640><c> clear</c><00:24:03.080

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• shift has been made also, and that was reported in the February forecast in the Consolidated Fund statement
• Chair, Representative Skraba, I think. >> The best way is if you look at the consolidated fund statement
• And you have on your screen and in your handouts our mission statement, which is very broad, and that's
• We look at their financial statements before those proposals move forward.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Statement. Congratulations.
• Representative Alvarez, can you save your statement until we are in debate? Do that, yes.
• Representative Alvarez, earlier you wanted to make a statement, and I stopped you.
• Would you like to make a statement?

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 123, which would change the process for converting a public school to a charter school by requiring approval from a majority of parents at the school, allow municipalities to apply to convert certain schools under limited circumstances, and address surplus school property in districts with declining enrollment. The sponsor said the bill is meant to give parents the primary say and to prevent districts from holding unused property. Opponents, including the Florida PTA, several members, and public speakers, argued the bill excludes teachers, school boards, and other stakeholders, could disenfranchise parents who do not live in the municipality, and could create enrollment, transportation, and equity problems. After debate, the bill passed 13-5 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 597 on diabetes management in schools. The bill would allow school districts and charter schools to procure and store glucagon pens for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia, permit trained personnel to administer them, require 911 to be called after use, and add limited liability protections. The sponsor said the medication is inexpensive and could save lives for the roughly 7,000 diabetic K-12 students in Florida. An amendment clarified that public and charter schools are both covered. The bill drew support from the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Florida PTA, and members from both parties praised the measure. It passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, which would add walking along freeways, expressways, and their ramps as a hazardous condition requiring bus service for elementary students within two miles of school. The sponsor described personal examples of children walking near dangerous roads and said the bill is intended to prevent injuries and deaths. An amendment narrowed the language by deleting “state highway.” Public testimony included a parent who described her child being hit by a car and urged broader coverage, while members raised concerns about bus shortages and fiscal impact. Most members spoke in support, emphasizing student safety, and the bill was reported favorably after debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The finalized statement of work was included in the RFQ advertised in December 2024.
• The finalized statement of work was included in the RFQ advertised in December 2024.
• The statement of work was included in the RFQ advertised in December 2024, which has since closed.
• So it was more of a statement, Mr. Chair. Thank you so very much.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a panel on state cloud modernization efforts after canceling an LBR on the Department of Corrections’ OBIS project because the presentation materials were not submitted on time. Florida Digital Service, the Northwest Regional Data Center, and several agencies described how the state is assessing and migrating applications to cloud environments under the cloud-first policy. Northwest explained its 2023 cloud readiness assessment of 890 applications from 24 agencies, the criteria used to rate readiness and risk, and its recommendation to tackle lower-risk applications first. Agency updates covered the Department of Corrections’ modernization of 98 legacy applications tied to OBIS and cloud-native infrastructure, the Department of Elder Affairs’ Microsoft Power Platform modernization, the Department of Health’s health management and child protection systems, and FDOT’s large cloud program for transportation systems. Members repeatedly asked about costs, data ownership, disaster recovery, single sign-on, security tools, and whether cloud migration actually saves money; presenters generally said the focus is more on modernization, resilience, and efficiency than immediate savings, and that cost analyses are often application-specific rather than enterprise-wide. The discussion also covered governance and architecture questions. Florida Digital Service said agencies remain responsible for their own databases and cloud tenants, while FLDS provides advice and an enterprise architecture framework; it does not have statutory oversight over most projects, except for OBIS project oversight due to its size. Northwest said it is acting as a cloud broker for some agencies and is consolidating Azure and AWS payer tenants to seek better pricing, but agencies still make system-by-system decisions based on business needs, risk, latency, and total cost of ownership. Members raised concerns about fragmented data structures, the lack of a complete statewide application inventory, and the need for better interoperability and enterprise standards. Several agencies said disaster recovery is built into their cloud plans, and FDOT and Corrections described ongoing efforts to keep systems current through core platforms, training, and ongoing support. In the second half of the meeting, the Department of State presented two new technology requests. Secretary Byrd described the SunBiz corporate registry system as a 34-year-old platform supporting more than 3.5 million business entities and generating over $575 million in annual general revenue. He said the department had already virtualized the legacy hardware after earlier modernization efforts failed and is now seeking $800,000 recurring for password protection and $5 million nonrecurring to continue procurement for a replacement system. The department also presented the Florida Voter Registration System modernization request, noting that the current system is outdated and requires manual workarounds for some statutory changes. The department requested $2.4948 million nonrecurring and $44,000 recurring to procure a modernized FVRS solution, and staff said the feasibility study recommended a hybrid approach. Members asked about the study’s findings and about creating a database for voter eligibility information for returning citizens; the department said that would require data sharing with all 67 clerks of court and other entities such as DOC.

Transcript Highlights:

• Driscoll, you are now recognized for your opening statement. We appreciate you being here.
• Let me begin then my line of questioning by getting back to something I mentioned in my opening statement
• And just to highlight, I hope it's illustrative, and I would hold myself accountable to this next statement
• I mentioned in my opening statement that my 8-year-old son is planning to join the Army.

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a fair statement? Senator, I believe that to be a... ...fair statement.
• With that statement, absolutely, I would.
• Is that a fair statement? Yeah, it's a fair statement. Yes, sir.
• Is that a true statement?
• Now, ultimately, that project was not awarded grant funding, and I think your statement or the statement

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and that seems to be uh the statement there.
• Um and that seems to be uh the statement there.
• Um and that seems to be uh the statement there.
• Um and that seems to be uh the statement there.
• But I am curious to statement there.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission to study the cost of special education met, confirmed a quorum, introduced members and guests, and approved the minutes from the October 29 meeting. Members noted the commission’s mandate under Senate Bill 57 and emphasized the need to focus on recommendations and findings by July 1, 2026. The chair also distributed additional handouts, including materials related to the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program and administrative rules tied to differentiated aid and disability determinations. The main discussion centered on how students qualify for differentiated aid under the EFA program. Matt Sutherton of the Children’s Scholarship Fund explained that the organization, which contracts with the state to administer EFAs, accepts either school-district/IEP documentation or a medical certification of disability (MCD) from a licensed medical professional. Members questioned how this process relates to the state’s special education rules and whether the school-district examiner standards in ED 107/1107.04 apply to EFAs. Sutherton said the MCD form, created with the department, requires the medical professional to sign that they are qualified to make the determination and to identify the disability. Several members expressed concern that the EFA process is less rigorous than the school-district IEP process and may be inflating disability counts. One member argued that the administrative rules cited are primarily for school districts, not EFAs, and said the Department of Education may not know how many of the roughly 890 EFA students receiving differentiated aid came through school-district documentation versus the MCD pathway. Another member said the EFA system appears more generous than the school system and raised concerns about oversight, auditing, and whether the program’s data are accurate. Sutherton said the organization reviews signed documentation, credentials, and diagnosis information, and may request additional records to help adjudicate expenses. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that an accurate statement? Correct. Okay. Uh, do you have...
• Statement and she sells this stuff; she uses this stuff. So again, I agree with you.
• Well, I absolutely agree with the Chief on that statement. I can't even.
• I also heard it in the statement read by the gentleman on the panel.
• I see your point, but I think you can make the same statement about... Xander.

Bills: HB5

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a strong statement by the OCA, but it wasn't necessarily a correct statement.
• </c> important message and making a statement important message and making a statement that<03:20:06.399
• </c><03:20:54.920><c> by</c><03:20:55.040><c> the</c> essential statement by the essential statement
• </c><03:20:59.439><c> by</c> legislature it was a strong statement by legislature it was a strong statement
• <03:21:05.680><c> further</c><03:21:06.199><c> discussion</c> statement further discussion statement

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:21:52.479><c> of</c> I am speaking in terms of statement of I am speaking in terms of statement
• And that's just a statement of fact.
• And that's just a statement of fact.
• And that's just a statement of fact.
• And that's just a statement of fact.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The immunity attaches to privileged activities defined to cover statements in government proceedings,
• On page five, section 1-44-103E carves out knowingly false and defamatory statements.
• </c><01:42:50.719><c> Statements</c><01:42:51.280><c> made</c> defamatory statements.
• Statements made defamatory statements.
• Statements made in<01:42:51.760><c> reckless</c><01:42:52.320><c> disregard</c><01:42:52.960><c> of</

Bills: HB0070 , HB0043 , HB0103 , HB0157 , HB0092 , SF0092

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't, you know, it's more of a statement than the question, but I... Thoughts on that?
• I don't, you know, it's more of a statement than a question, but I would like to know what you're...
• And I couldn't agree more with that statement.
• And as we look to year two, we can determine more... ...statement.
• Chairman, Representative's statement, we will obligate all $199 million.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, the roll was taken, and the March 18 minutes were approved. Members then received several project and program updates, beginning with CHI St. Alexius’s behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks. St. Alexius reported that the Bismarck project remains on track for June 2027 completion, with demolition underway and final design work nearing completion. Williston reported construction is progressing, staffing recruitment is underway for psychiatrists and other staff, and an air handler replacement is creating a roughly $750,000 unbudgeted barrier that will slightly delay the timeline. Grand Forks reported its expansion is about 30% complete, with no major barriers beyond weather, and leaders said the project should be substantially complete in the first quarter of 2027. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented a series of budget and program updates. Donna Ockland explained several recent line-item transfers as technical corrections that net to zero and do not require new spending, then reviewed salaries, wages, and FTE counts, noting the department remains within its authorized staffing levels. Pat Rainer followed with an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying 12 opportunities have been posted, 422 applications received, and $8.4 million obligated so far, with a goal of obligating the full $199 million by September. He described grants for workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community gardens, school wellness, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, equipment, technology, EMS, and other initiatives, emphasizing that the program is intended to be transformational and tied to metrics. Members asked extensive questions about how rural eligibility is defined, how grants will support both rural facilities and hub hospitals, and how future years of funding will build on current awards. The committee also heard an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller, who said North Dakota has been accepted as a demonstration state, implementation is underway in Williston, North Central/Minot, Fargo, and Dickinson, and care coordination and service counts are increasing. Rebecca Askins then reviewed SNAP payment error rates, saying the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89%, with the state aiming to get below 6% through policy updates, training, data tools, and a quality assurance team. Members pressed her on the causes of the error rate, the role of the SPACES software system, and the need for accountability and improvements. Finally, Dirk Wilkie reported the state laboratory project reached substantial completion on June 12 and is on budget at about $69.95 million, though a service elevator had to be redesigned because it was too small for equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't, you know, it's more of a statement than the question, but I... Thoughts on that?
• I don't, you know, it's more of a statement than a question, but I would like to know what you're...
• It is critical to look at the whole system of care, and I couldn't agree more with that statement.
• And as we look to year two, we can determine more... ...statement.
• Chairman, Representative's statement, we will obligate all $199 million.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unless members of the committee want to make a statement, I think we should proceed with the panel.
• But they weren't in the summary statements.
• You know, the summary statements were put out yesterday and nothing representing your fine work was included
• The siloing at the moment frustrates us from coming up with an entire statement on everything the governor's
• So that means that there is a timeline on what projects we're looking at, not a statement on how long

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on two related issues: gas utilities’ climate compliance plans filed with the Department of Public Utilities and the recent DPU orders reforming the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP). Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts must reduce gas use, shrink the gas distribution footprint, and move customers to alternatives such as heat pumps, network geothermal, and non-gas pipeline alternatives (NPAs). DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand said the new GSEP orders lower the annual revenue cap from 3.0% to 2.5%, phase it down toward 1.5%, eliminate carrying charges, require more rigorous risk prioritization, and push utilities to consider advanced leak technology, relining, repairs, and NPAs. He also described the climate compliance plans as the start of a longer process covering decommissioning, stranded costs, line extension allowances, integrated energy planning, and targeted electrification demonstrations. Senators pressed the DPU and utility witnesses on the lack of specificity in the climate compliance plans, especially the absence of numeric goals for gas usage reduction, customer conversions, and near-term deployment of NPAs. Utility representatives from Eversource and National Grid said their plans include NPA frameworks, integrated energy planning, targeted electrification pilots, network geothermal, and workforce transition efforts, but argued that implementation takes time, requires customer participation, and depends on coordination with electric utilities and communities. They said some NPA and electrification projects are being evaluated now, while larger-scale deployment is expected later in the decade. Senators also raised concerns about line extension allowances, with utilities explaining that new customers may be charged based on whether existing ratepayers would otherwise be harmed, while National Grid said it has begun increasing customer contributions to send stronger price signals. Attorney General Mary Gardner supported the DPU’s GSEP reforms and said the office favors eventually stepping the GSEP cap down to zero by 2030, with repair and replacement costs recovered in base rate cases instead. She argued that the utilities’ plans still rely too heavily on business-as-usual approaches, do not adequately quantify scope 3 emissions, and leave unresolved questions about the obligation to serve and the future of line extension allowances. Advocacy witnesses from the Conservation Law Foundation and Acadia Center were more critical, saying the plans lack the detailed modeling, targets, and transparency needed to show how the utilities will help meet the Commonwealth’s heating and cooling sublimits and broader climate goals. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• that that national act only applies to large corporations and requires them to use their financial statement
• But in terms of compliance, right, Pillar Two also requires companies to use their foreign statement
• The business community and the state governments had separate statements they included with certain provisos
• One of the other statements came from one of the working group members who was the U.S.
• Again, I want to thank the witnesses, my colleagues, and the staff have put this statement together,

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that that national act only applies to large corporations and requires them to use their financial statement
• But in terms of compliance, right, Pillar Two also requires companies to use their financial statement
• community and the state governments had The business community and the state governments had separate statements
• One of the other statements came from one of the working group members who was the U.S.
• Undersecretary One of the other statements came from one of the working group members who was the U.S

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s taxation of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Committee members and witnesses discussed how unitary taxation and sales-factor apportionment work, why multinational corporations are a small share of filers but a large share of tax liability, and how foreign income, profit shifting, and double taxation concerns affect policy choices. The Franchise Tax Board explained current filing rules, the seven-year water’s-edge election, and recent filing statistics showing about 21,562 water’s-edge returns in 2023, roughly 6% of C corporation filers but about half of corporate tax liability. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and FTB staff emphasized that revenue effects from eliminating water’s edge are uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable, and they noted possible revenue volatility and administrative complexity. Several committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the burden on FTB, whether certain industries are more likely to shift profits, and whether companies would leave California; witnesses generally said there was no strong evidence that firms would exit the state because tax liability is driven mainly by California sales. They also discussed how California already administers both methods, how the election can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on a firm’s facts, and how federal reforms like GILTI/NCTI, CAMT, and OECD Pillar Two may affect the issue. The second panel presented sharply contrasting views. One professor and a tax policy advocate argued that water’s edge creates unfairness, encourages profit shifting, and leaves California with billions in lost revenue, while a Tax Foundation witness argued that mandatory worldwide reporting would tax the wrong income, create double taxation and litigation risk, and impose heavy compliance burdens, especially for foreign-based multinationals. A later panel from the California Budget and Policy Center supported closing the “water’s-edge loophole,” saying it would raise needed revenue for public services and level the playing field between large multinationals and smaller domestic businesses. No vote or formal action was taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's our opening statement. All right. Thank you.
• I would draw the committee's attention to pages 7, 8, and 9 of the fiscal impact report, and the statement
• He'll go ahead and make a brief statement. Thank you, Madam Chairman and committee.
• He'll go ahead and make a brief statement. Thank you, Madam Chairman's the committee.
• Senator Birkins, you wanted to make a comment or statement. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Summary: The Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee heard and voted on several bills, beginning with SB 190, which would authorize revenue bonds for Gila Regional Medical Center to replace an aging linear accelerator for cancer treatment. The sponsor and hospital representatives said the project is critical for rural patients who otherwise travel long distances for radiation therapy. After a brief amendment changing the bond term from 20 to 30 years, the committee advanced the bill 7-0. The committee then took up SB 152, a broadband affordability and rural telecommunications bill that would keep money in the broadband fund for maintenance, expansion, and a new affordability program after the federal ACP lapsed. The sponsor and broadband stakeholders said the bill is needed to close the digital divide, while some industry witnesses supported the affordability goal but wanted changes to broaden eligibility and adjust program rules. The committee heard public testimony from supporters and opponents, then passed the bill 8-0. Next, SB 77 would require certain highway and public works contractors to contribute to apprenticeship training funds; labor groups supported it as workforce development, while highway and asphalt contractors opposed it as an added cost and argued they already run their own training programs. After extended debate about whether the 60-cent-per-hour contribution would raise project costs or simply redirect existing prevailing-wage funds, the committee advanced SB 77 on a 5-3 vote. The committee also heard SB 182, a dyed diesel gross receipts tax deduction for agricultural use, but held it for the tax package without a vote. SB 151, a corporate income tax decoupling bill intended to recover revenue lost to federal tax changes, drew strong support from tax and advocacy groups and strong opposition from business, oil and gas, and chamber representatives who called it a tax increase that would hurt investment and competitiveness. Committee members raised concerns about long-term revenue stability and business impacts, but the sponsors said the bill would restore state tax capacity and selectively decouple from federal provisions; the bill was held for later consideration in the tax package. Finally, the committee heard SB 133 on eliminating gross receipts tax on medical providers for medical equipment and supplies, and SB 212 on a ski-area construction equipment gross receipts tax exemption, with sponsors arguing both would improve competitiveness and support industry investment; both were discussed as possible tax-package items and held for further consideration.